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Hurricane Melissa is predicted to become a rare Category 5 storm as it veers in the direction of Jamaica, bringing deadly sudden floods and landslides.

This weather system, which registered wind speeds of up to 195 km/h as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering northwest in the Caribbean region and is anticipated to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by weather experts.

Alerts of electricity outages and disruption to utilities have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rain and coastal flooding as high as 4m above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," residents have been told.

The cyclone is the 13th cyclone in the ongoing Atlantic season, which usually concludes in November.

Category Five Cyclone Danger

A category five storm is the most powerful category, with wind speeds of at least 157mph.

Even though the hurricane is projected to weaken to a fourth-level cyclone before making landfall on Jamaica, experts said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon reaching the coast, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it impacts the country.

Critical Readiness Measures

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance well before it crosses central Jamaica - possibly even the national capital - alerts state that "safety measures need to be finalized quickly".

"A multi-day period of destructive gusts and intense precipitation are underway and will cause severe and deadly sudden floods and numerous mudslides," urged climate experts.

Jamaican Prime Minister the statesman commented: "I understand that there are countless citizens who are worried, who are extremely apprehensive, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"Yet the optimal approach to handle anxiety and any apprehension and concern is to stay ready."

Inhabitants are being told to protect their properties with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to gather necessary supplies.

Broader Effects

Alerts are also ongoing for regions of the neighboring country such as the capital, Port au Prince, the Dominican Republic and Cuba's eastern region, where Melissa is projected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have already killed two in Haiti, according to emergency services.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to pass over the island nation by midweek before passing across the Greater Antilles and emerging into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the moment it makes contact with Cuba, it is anticipated to have diminished to a third-level cyclone.

Climate Connection

While it is difficult to associate specific storms to global warming, experts say it is making weather phenomena increasingly frequent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat generate greater water vapor in the environment, helping fuel the formation of hurricanes.

Ahead of the commencement of this season's Atlantic hurricane season, meteorological authorities predicted increased storm frequency, referencing warmer seas and likely more intense weather patterns around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.